| Lisfranc ligament | |
|---|---|
 Lisfranc ligaments:[1] C1 = Medial cuneiform M2 = 2nd metatarsal base M3 = 3rd metatarsal base Red = dorsal Lisfranc ligament Blue = interosseous Lisfranc ligament Green = plantar Lisfranc ligament. | |
 Ultrasonography of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament.[1] | |
| Anatomical terminology |
TheLisfranc ligament is one of several ligaments which connects themedial cuneiform bone to the secondmetatarsal. Sometimes, the termLisfranc ligament refers specifically to the ligament that connects the superior, lateral surface of the medial cuneiform to the superior, medial surface of the base of the second metatarsal.
The Lisfranc ligament connects themedial cuneiform bone to the secondmetatarsal.[2] It is a complex of 3 ligaments: the dorsal Lisfranc ligament, the interosseous Lisfranc ligament, and the plantar Lisfranc ligament.[2][3]
In 20% of people, there are two bands of each component of the ligament, usually of the dorsal Lisfranc ligament or the plantar Lisfranc ligament.[citation needed]
The Lisfranc ligament maintains proper alignment between themetatarsal bones and thetarsal bones.[3] It acts as ashock absorber during the weight bearing phase of thebipedal gait cycle.[3] It also compensates for the lack of anintermetatarsal ligament between thefirst metatarsal bone and thesecond metatarsal bone.[3]
The Lisfranc ligament is injured or disrupted in theLisfranc fracture. Trauma to the midfoot is caused by direct and indirect impact forces. Direct force involves an object landing on the surface on the foot. Indirect force involves twisting of the foot, usually an impact to the heel while the foot is pointed down toward the ground.[4] A mild form of this injury results in a widening of the gap between the first and second metatarsals. An extreme form of the a Lisfranc fracture causes a complete dislocation of the metatarsals from the tarsal bones. When the alignment of the midfoot is affected joint cartilage is quickly damaged.[5]
The ligament and the fracture are named after the Napoleonic army surgeon,Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin.[6]
